Gianforte punched and threw reporter Ben Jacobs to the ground at a campaign event, the day before an election. He was charged by local police with misdemeanour assault, but the Republican candidate claims that Jacobs was aggressive with him, grabbing him by the wrist.

Gianforte held a stable lead against opponent Democrat Rob Quist, and it looks that that majority’s only going to get bigger after this incident. Voters have been recorded by MSNBC journalist Garrett Haake saying that, “I think reporters have it coming,” and that Gianforte is “My kind of politician.”

While these voters stood by Gianforte, Montana’s largest newspaper rescinded its endorsement. “We previously supported Gianforte because he said he was ready to listen, to compromise, to take the tough questions,” The Billings Gazette editorial board wrote. “Everything he said was obliterated by his surprising actions that were recorded and witnessed Wednesday.”

Congressional Republicans meanwhile were rather lukewarm in their responses. House Speaker Paul Ryan said that the congressional candidate should apologize, although he added, “If he wins, he has been chosen by the people of Montana, who their congressman’s going to be. I’m going to let the people of Montana decide who they want as their representative.”

The campaign for Gianforte has reportedly raised over $100,000 in extra funds in the 24 hours since the bodyslamming incident.